Week 3: Sept. 3-6
Finish up quizzes for vocabulary (Unit 1)
Introduce "My Life as a Reader" Photo Project
Reading Strategies: Writing as thinking about reading, goal setting, self-monitoring
Writing Skills: Creating a timeline, writing from photographs, the writing process, using effective details and other story elements
T 3 (C Double)
1. Collect reading data. 3 adjectives about you as a reader.Discuss and write reading goals.
2. Introduce "My Life as a Reader" Photo Narrative Project
3. Begin timeline.
4. Introduce grammar concept: writing effective paragraphs
How to organize paragraphs in an essay (consider purpose: selecting and ordering details, comparison and contrast, chronological order, importance, classification)
How to organize sentences in a paragraph (topic sentence)
Fiction (dialogue, shifting our attention, plot, time)
HW: "Flipped" grammar lesson on writing effective paragraphs
See Tuesday on "My Life as a Reader" Photo Narrative Project
Continue with grammar and vocabulary work
(Single)
Grammar work (chapter 2) and vocabulary work (Unit 2)
HW: Timelines due tomorrow
Th 5 (E) Vocabulary quiz, unit 2 for those who are ready
Grammar and vocabulary work. Review (collect) timelines and give feedback.
HW: Study for grammar quiz on chapter 2; take vocabulary quiz (Unit 2 Red) when ready.
F 6 (F)
Grammar quiz (chapter 2); vocabulary quiz (Unit 2 Red) if ready; independent reading.
HW: Independent reading; begin gathering photos for project. Postponed to Monday: Take current "reading" photo for project based on instructions in class -- send them to me via email or save to dropbox. Bring a printed copy to school on Tuesday (I can print if you need me to before school.)
Week 4: Sept. 9-13
M 9 (A)
Update reading logs. Time for Vocabulary Quiz (Unit 2)
Discuss how to take a photo. Brainstorm plans for "reading" photo: angle, colors/shapes, frame/distance, subject (props/background/pose), mood/light
HW: Submit photos via dropbox or email; include your name in the file name; bring copies to class tomorrow. Continue to collect images for narrative photo project.
T 10 (B)
Work with partners to discuss and share photos. Tell your classmates what you see and feel as you look at their photos. Take notes, then write a more detailed description of how you see yourself as a reader today.
HW: Continue to develop drafts of narrative photo essays at home. Bring copies of drafts to school to continue your work in class (save to a flash drive in case we can secure access to computers).
W 11 (C)
Double:
Continue to work on drafts of photo essays. Complete drafts and meet for a conference.
Introduction to grammar lesson: Chapter 23: Punctuation
Single:
Introduction to grammar lesson: Chapter 23: Punctuation
Continue to work on drafts of photo essays.
HW: Review Grammar Lesson in Resources section of Portal. Begin workbook exercises in Chapter 23.
Th 12 (D)
Double:
See double above. Should complete drafts during this time. Continue grammar work and begin vocabulary work (Unit 3), if time allows.
Single:
Continue work on draft if needed; continue grammar work; begin vocabulary work (Unit 3).
HW: Study for grammar quiz (open book).
F 13 (E)
Grammar quiz: Chapter 23: Punctuation
Update reading logs in reading notebooks; reflect on what you learn from your data
HW: Collect photos and finalize draft; bring a printed copy to class on Monday.
M 16 (F)
Work on proofreading and editing in class.
1. Paragraphs -- order, connection, topic sentences, transition words
2. Sentences -- combining and tightening, eliminating sentence fragments and run-ons.
3. Punctuation -- correct use of commas, periods, semi-colons, and colons.
HW: Finalize photo narrative essays. Submit via dropbox -- due on Tuesday. Also bring in a printed out copy.
T 17 (A)
Record in reading logs.
Reading and appreciating photo essays.
HW: Independent reading
W 18 (B)
HW: Independent reading
Th 19 (C) Double:
Writing about reading -- as a topic for blogging
How the blogging and regular classroom communities will work
HW: "Flipped" Grammar Lesson #4; begin grammar work in workbook
F 20 (D)
Double:
Blogging topics: how to write about what we read
Writing about Reading:
How does writing about something you read change the way you think about it? (Do a "write around" from An Elephant in the Garden. What do you notice in this excerpt that you hadn't noticed before? Look for particular words or phrases that stand out -- why do they capture your attention? Why do you think the writer puts that particular detail or element into the book? How does it affect your impressions or emotions as you read?)
Both: Grammar work (chapter 24) and vocabulary work (unit 3)
HW: Study for grammar quiz (chapter 24) on Tuesday; independent reading in time left
Week 6: Sept. 23-27
M (E)
Camp Allen Field Trip
T (F)
Grammar Quiz: Chapter 24 (Punctuation, part deux)
6B: Something fun?
6A: Writing about Reading
How does writing about something you read change the way you think about it? (Do a "write around" from An Elephant in the Garden. What do you notice in this excerpt that you hadn't noticed before? Look for particular words or phrases that stand out -- why do they capture your attention? Why do you think the writer puts that particular detail or element into the book? How does it affect your impressions or emotions as you read?)
Independent Reading: 3 sticky notes for every 20-30 minutes
W (A)
In-class: writing from reading (using sticky notes)
Independent reading and conferences
Th (B)
Vocabulary Quiz #3
Introduction to first blog post/alternative writing assignment
All permissions for bloggers due by tomorrow
F (C)
Double:
Set up blog
Non-bloggers: English Workshop, chapter 1 (the writing process)
W (D)
Writing prompt (6B): reflection on "Shiva" project
Writing prompt: 15-minute reflection on "Shiva" project
What did you learn from the process of doing this project? What did you learn about yourself? What bumps in the road did you overcome, and how did you overcome them? What can you take away from this project and apply in the future?
Introduction to blogging
HW:
Written reflection: Discuss your blogging options with a parent. Write about your choice and why you and your parents have decided it is right for you (in your composition notebook). Please share what you are excited about, concerned about, wondering about.
6A Prompt: Write about a story or character that influenced you in some way. Explain the impact that story or character had on you, and share how you changed your thinking or behavior as a result. (15 minutes in composition notebook)
6B Prompt:
Write about a story or character in the story you are reading now. In particular, describe how that character makes an important decision that you can learn from. How would you apply that decision in your own life?
Discuss the kinds of comments you would like to receive and the kind you don't want to receive.
Practice commenting (share composition books around).
HW: Need blogging permissions/commitments by Friday, if possible.
F (F)
Open discussion
Clarification of grading, etc.
Week 4 (Sept. 10-14): Sentence Workshop, Blogging
M (A)
You will need:
Composition Notebook (with blogging reflections)
permission forms (if not already turned in)
Opener:
cummings, "next to of course god america i"
Provide punctuation for this poem to indicate where sentences begin and end. Finish for homework if needed. (6A had shortened class due to Fire Alarm.)
T (B) - F (E)
Due to out-of-town absence for a funeral the rest of this week's work was postponed. A grammar assessment, vocabulary study and independent reading were addressed instead. Thanks for your patience with these last-minute adjustments.
Finish up quizzes for vocabulary (Unit 1)
Introduce "My Life as a Reader" Photo Project
Reading Strategies: Writing as thinking about reading, goal setting, self-monitoring
Writing Skills: Creating a timeline, writing from photographs, the writing process, using effective details and other story elements
T 3 (C Double)
1. Collect reading data. 3 adjectives about you as a reader. Discuss and write reading goals.
2. Introduce "My Life as a Reader" Photo Narrative Project
3. Begin timeline.
4. Introduce grammar concept: writing effective paragraphs
How to organize paragraphs in an essay (consider purpose: selecting and ordering details, comparison and contrast, chronological order, importance, classification)
How to organize sentences in a paragraph (topic sentence)
Fiction (dialogue, shifting our attention, plot, time)
HW: "Flipped" grammar lesson on writing effective paragraphs
Single:
1. Introduce grammar concept: writing effective paragraphs
2. Vocabulary work, Unit 2
W 4 (D)
(Double)
See Tuesday on "My Life as a Reader" Photo Narrative Project
Continue with grammar and vocabulary work
(Single)
Grammar work (chapter 2) and vocabulary work (Unit 2)
HW: Timelines due tomorrow
Th 5 (E)
Vocabulary quiz, unit 2 for those who are ready
Grammar and vocabulary work. Review (collect) timelines and give feedback.
HW: Study for grammar quiz on chapter 2; take vocabulary quiz (Unit 2 Red) when ready.
F 6 (F)
Grammar quiz (chapter 2); vocabulary quiz (Unit 2 Red) if ready; independent reading.
HW: Independent reading; begin gathering photos for project. Postponed to Monday: Take current "reading" photo for project based on instructions in class -- send them to me via email or save to dropbox. Bring a printed copy to school on Tuesday (I can print if you need me to before school.)
Week 4: Sept. 9-13
M 9 (A)
Update reading logs. Time for Vocabulary Quiz (Unit 2)
Discuss how to take a photo. Brainstorm plans for "reading" photo: angle, colors/shapes, frame/distance, subject (props/background/pose), mood/light
HW: Submit photos via dropbox or email; include your name in the file name; bring copies to class tomorrow. Continue to collect images for narrative photo project.
T 10 (B)
Work with partners to discuss and share photos. Tell your classmates what you see and feel as you look at their photos. Take notes, then write a more detailed description of how you see yourself as a reader today.
HW: Continue to develop drafts of narrative photo essays at home. Bring copies of drafts to school to continue your work in class (save to a flash drive in case we can secure access to computers).
W 11 (C)
Double:
Continue to work on drafts of photo essays. Complete drafts and meet for a conference.
Introduction to grammar lesson: Chapter 23: Punctuation
Single:
Introduction to grammar lesson: Chapter 23: Punctuation
Continue to work on drafts of photo essays.
HW: Review Grammar Lesson in Resources section of Portal. Begin workbook exercises in Chapter 23.
Th 12 (D)
Double:
See double above. Should complete drafts during this time. Continue grammar work and begin vocabulary work (Unit 3), if time allows.
Single:
Continue work on draft if needed; continue grammar work; begin vocabulary work (Unit 3).
HW: Study for grammar quiz (open book).
F 13 (E)
Grammar quiz: Chapter 23: Punctuation
Update reading logs in reading notebooks; reflect on what you learn from your data
HW: Collect photos and finalize draft; bring a printed copy to class on Monday.
M 16 (F)
Work on proofreading and editing in class.
1. Paragraphs -- order, connection, topic sentences, transition words
2. Sentences -- combining and tightening, eliminating sentence fragments and run-ons.
3. Punctuation -- correct use of commas, periods, semi-colons, and colons.
HW: Finalize photo narrative essays. Submit via dropbox -- due on Tuesday. Also bring in a printed out copy.
T 17 (A)
Record in reading logs.
Reading and appreciating photo essays.
HW: Independent reading
W 18 (B)
HW: Independent reading
Th 19 (C)
Double:
Writing about reading -- as a topic for blogging
How the blogging and regular classroom communities will work
Both: Introduction to blogging; review grammar concepts: Chapter 24: Punctuation (part deux)
HW: "Flipped" Grammar Lesson #4; begin grammar work in workbook
F 20 (D)
Double:
Blogging topics: how to write about what we read
Writing about Reading:
How does writing about something you read change the way you think about it? (Do a "write around" from An Elephant in the Garden. What do you notice in this excerpt that you hadn't noticed before? Look for particular words or phrases that stand out -- why do they capture your attention? Why do you think the writer puts that particular detail or element into the book? How does it affect your impressions or emotions as you read?)
Both: Grammar work (chapter 24) and vocabulary work (unit 3)
HW: Study for grammar quiz (chapter 24) on Tuesday; independent reading in time left
Week 6: Sept. 23-27
M (E)
Camp Allen Field Trip
T (F)
Grammar Quiz: Chapter 24 (Punctuation, part deux)
6B: Something fun?
6A: Writing about Reading
How does writing about something you read change the way you think about it? (Do a "write around" from An Elephant in the Garden. What do you notice in this excerpt that you hadn't noticed before? Look for particular words or phrases that stand out -- why do they capture your attention? Why do you think the writer puts that particular detail or element into the book? How does it affect your impressions or emotions as you read?)
Independent Reading: 3 sticky notes for every 20-30 minutes
W (A)
In-class: writing from reading (using sticky notes)
Independent reading and conferences
Th (B)
Vocabulary Quiz #3
Introduction to first blog post/alternative writing assignment
All permissions for bloggers due by tomorrow
F (C)
Double:
Set up blog
Non-bloggers: English Workshop, chapter 1 (the writing process)
==========================
T (C) Finish, mount, and display projects
6A: Double period -- see prompt below.
W (D)
Writing prompt (6B): reflection on "Shiva" project
Writing prompt: 15-minute reflection on "Shiva" project
What did you learn from the process of doing this project? What did you learn about yourself? What bumps in the road did you overcome, and how did you overcome them? What can you take away from this project and apply in the future?
Introduction to blogging
HW:
Written reflection: Discuss your blogging options with a parent. Write about your choice and why you and your parents have decided it is right for you (in your composition notebook). Please share what you are excited about, concerned about, wondering about.
Th (E)
Blogging practice
6A Prompt: Write about a story or character that influenced you in some way. Explain the impact that story or character had on you, and share how you changed your thinking or behavior as a result. (15 minutes in composition notebook)
6B Prompt:
Write about a story or character in the story you are reading now. In particular, describe how that character makes an important decision that you can learn from. How would you apply that decision in your own life?
Discuss the kinds of comments you would like to receive and the kind you don't want to receive.
Practice commenting (share composition books around).
HW: Need blogging permissions/commitments by Friday, if possible.
F (F)
Open discussion
Clarification of grading, etc.
M (A)
You will need:
Composition Notebook (with blogging reflections)
permission forms (if not already turned in)
Opener:
cummings, "next to of course god america i"
Provide punctuation for this poem to indicate where sentences begin and end. Finish for homework if needed.
(6A had shortened class due to Fire Alarm.)
T (B) - F (E)
Due to out-of-town absence for a funeral the rest of this week's work was postponed. A grammar assessment, vocabulary study and independent reading were addressed instead. Thanks for your patience with these last-minute adjustments.